Fancy a cottage in Cornwall, or a house with views across Britain’s best golf course? On the final day of our four-part series, we reveal the best places for a second home in the UK. Our property experts on Bricks & Mortar have the inside track on where to buy that weekend retreat, from a £150,000 terraced house in a thriving market town to a millionaire’s party pad in Battersea Power Station
• 1 Totnes, Devon
Why is it so great?
A beautiful little Elizabethan town on the banks of the River Dart in south Devon. Time magazine has called it “the capital of New Age chic”, and it has more organic food, yoga classes and Green Man carvings than anywhere in Britain. It’s close to numerous beaches as well as Dartmoor, for those that like to swim, canoe or surf. There’s a saying that once you get to Totnes, you never leave — and it’s obvious why.
Who lives here?
Creative and New Age types, yachties.
House prices
You can buy a terraced Victorian cottage for around £250,000, or a sizeable period home for £750,000. The new Baltic Wharf riverside development — prices not released yet — is one to watch.
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• 2 Long Melford, Suffolk
Why is it so great?
Deep in Constable country, this is Lavenham without the tourists. It’s got historic properties, good restaurants, galleries and more antique shops than you can shake a vintage walking stick at — Lovejoy was filmed here — and Sudbury’s famous water meadows are close at hand.
Who lives here?
Downsizers from Cambridge seeking more for their money, second-home owners from within the M25.
House prices
Cute two-bedroom Georgian cottages cost around £200,000, or a three-bedroom cottage nearer to £350,000, according to Alex Davies at David Burr. A detached property with an acre can hit £800,000.
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• 3 Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
Why is it so great?
The birthplace of Graham Greene, on the edge of the Chilterns, is a vibrant cultural centre with a strong community. The 5,000-acre Ashridge Estate is a big draw, as one of the National Trust’s finest country houses, as is the stunning art deco Rex cinema, the restaurants, canalside pubs and farmers’ market.
Who lives here?
Commuters to the capital seeking a rural base, or second-home owners seeking a country bolt hole easily reached from the M25.
House prices
A pretty Victorian three-bedroom terraced house in the central conservation area will sell for £500,000 to £800,000, although full-time residents might prefer a detached five or six-bedroom property with an acre of garden for £800,000 to £1.5 million. The fringes of the Ashridge Estate are especially sought after.
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• 4 Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales
Why is it so great?
A crooked finger of land that points from north Wales into the Irish Sea, this peninsula offers a super collection of sandy beaches with the villages of Abersoch, Nefyn and the towns of Porthmadog and Criccieth particularly desirable with weekenders.
Who lives here?
A big contingent of part-time residents from Manchester, Liverpool and the Wirral.
House prices
You can buy a detached five-bedroom home near the harbour in Porthmadog for £500,000, or a nice apartment in a beachfront conversion for the same in Abersoch. A well-presented home on the beach in Abersoch will cost £2 million.
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• 5 Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Why is it so great?
Gorgeous little market town with a thriving arts and foodie scene, a high street of delis, antique shops, boutiques and galleries housed in gaily coloured Edwardian and Georgian buildings. Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Charlotte Church have played at the Queens Hall while Wales rugby player Alun Wyn Jones held his wedding reception at the town’s boutique hotel, The Grove.
Who lives here?
Community-spirited foodies, farmers and hill-walkers.
House prices
You can get a three-bedroom mid terrace in the centre for £155,000, or a six-bedroom Georgian home with garden for £420,000. A four to five-bedroom detached home on a larger plot costs £360,000 to £400,000.
• 6 Wiveton, Norfolk
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Why is it so great?
Wonderfully unspoilt traditional Norfolk village a short walk from Cley and the coast offering refreshingly undulating countryside for this part of the world. An excellent destination pub, the Wiveton Bell and the unique Wiveton Hall Café and farm shop are the star attractions. Properties rarely come up for sale so get snapped up quickly — 80 per cent by second-home owners.
Who lives here?
City escapees with children in tow and the odd music star laying low.
House prices
You’ll need £300,000 or more for a two-bedroom brick and flint cottage; or north of £650,000 for a larger detached property, according to Paul Flint of Bedfords.
• 7 Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Why is it so great?
The “Goring Gap” is the scenic Thames Valley between the Chiltern Hills and the Berkshire Downs and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Handily reached from the A34 and M4, this large picturesque village is centred around a pretty bridge over the river, and home to a popular boat club, the Streatley golf course and close to a rash of prestigious schools.
Who lives there?
At the risk of repetition, mostly Londoners (the capital is an hour away), plus singer George Michael.
House prices
Home on or close to the river command a premium: properties have recently sold for £1.35 million (a new-build) and £1.85 million (eight bedrooms, listed) or a four-bedroom detached home in the centre costs £600,000 to £1 million.
• 8 Ludlow, Shropshire
Why is it so great?
This attractive market town of Tudor half-timbered and Georgian buildings and a fine medieval castle is renowned as one of the most beautiful in England. It offers more gastronomic festivals than you can shake a fork at, as well as its fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant, Mr Underhills. Surrounded by the Welsh Marches, it also offers great walking opportunities.
Who lives there?
Trendy young London couples enjoying self-indulgent weekends before kids.
House prices
The much sought-after “quaint cottage with character” in the centre costs £250,000 to £300,000.
• 9 Winster, Derbyshire
Why is it so great?
Picture-postcard historic village of over 70 listed buildings tucked among the limestone hills of the Derbyshire Peak District. Formerly a centre for the lead mining industry, it now offers a great base from which to embark on hill walks, two pubs for pit stops, plus a community-owned village shop. Watch out for the famous pancake races on Shrove Tuesday.
Who lives here?
Urbanites from Sheffield, Manchester or London seeking greater rusticity than the Cotswolds.
House prices
A three-bedroom character cottage or a Georgian semi for around the £375,000 mark, a cute little one-bed for £175,000, says Stuart Flint of Fisher German.
• 10 Swinbrook, Cotswolds
Why is it so great?
Quintessential and ever fashionable Cotswolds village only 75 minutes from London with a fair wind. The great and the good from François Hollande to Kate Moss have frequented The Swan — one of several excellent gastro pubs. It has some of the best walks in the area along the River Windrush to Asthall.
Who lives here?
Second-home owners from London drive the market, overseas buyers ebb and flow, plus there’s also strong local interest.
House prices
A three-bedroom detached cottage will cost £500,000 to £650,000, or a four to five-bedroom detached property from £1-1.5 million.
• 11 Bosham, West Sussex
Why is it so great?
Sailing is the lifeblood of this wealthy chocolate-box village that sits on an inlet of Chichester Harbour. It featured in the Bayeux tapestry and centuries later, no less importantly, in Midsomer Murders. It is easily reached from London and offers access to the Solent. There’s the theatre just up the road in Chichester, racing at nearby Goodwood and some wonderfully unspoilt countryside.
Who lives here?
Serious sailors from London and the southeast.
House prices
A little lock-up-and-leave cottage close to the sailing club can cost £600,000 upwards; but you’ll pay a premium for a sailor’s cottage in The Trippett (£1.25 to £1.5 million). A waterside trophy home costs £3 million to £5 million.
• 12 Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
Why is it so great?
Cotswolds charm with a dash of Highgrove glamour is the USP of this little village that borders the royal estate. Although most famed for its 600-acre arboretum that hosts year-round concerts, life is also focused around the Cat and Custard Pot inn and the Beaufort Polo Club.
Who lives here?
London professionals, sporting types, a few Australians and second-home owners are back strongly in the sub-£1m sector.
House prices
A three-bedroom former estate worker’s cottage of Cotswold stone will sell for around £525,000, or a six-bedroom former rectory on four or five acres with a pool costs around £3 million, suggests Rupert Sturgis of Knight Frank.
• 13 Covent Garden, London
Why is it so great?
Thesps have always been attracted to London’s great theatre hub but it’s now a prime target for a growing number of urban downsizers who fancy a pad in town with superb shopping and dining on their doorstep — and only a short stroll from Charing Cross.
Who lives here?
Actors and film directors, and home counties commuter-belt couples seeking a base for theatre trips.
House prices
A new two to three-bedroom apartment in a boutique development would cost £2.2 million. A lovely duplex with roof terrace overlooking the piazza costs £8.95 million.
• 14 Shaftesbury, Dorset
Why is it so great?
We have to mention the famous Hovis advert filmed here, but now this hilltop market town with views over three counties has a newly refurbished hotel, The Grosvenor Arms. It is very well situated for fashionable Bruton with its pioneering art gallery, and the coast, which is 40 minutes away.
Who lives here?
Londoners with children at boarding at schools such as Sherborne who decide to upsize.
House prices
You’ll get a pretty three-bedroom cottage from £350,000, says James Wilson of Jackson-Stops & Staff, although centrally located grade II listed ones can be £700,000.
• 15 Wentworth, Surrey
Why is it so great?
Not all the owners on this rarefied enclave of international chief executives and celebrities play golf but they love the manicured course and the exclusive country club vibe. Brad and Angelina are ad hoc residents, Sir Bruce Forsyth is a permanent fixture.
Who lives here?
A mix of full and part-time residents from Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Europe.
House prices
The estate is divided into two parts — the so-called “main island” and the “outer ring”. You buy on the main island if you can afford it, the outer ring if you can’t. That means a 1930s five-bedroom Tarrant house will start from £5 million and £3 million, respectively, reports Alex Newall of Hanover Private Office.
• 16 Mylor, Cornwall
Why is it so great?
Five miles north of Falmouth, Mylor is a beautiful little village on the River Fal’s network of creeks. It punches above its weight in terms of village amenities, and it’s very definitely not a holiday resort but a community based around Mylor Yacht Harbour, with its café and restaurant popular with coastal walkers as well as yachties.
Who lives here?
Boating types, retirees and a few expats with local links.
House prices
You’ll pay £350,000 for a two-bedroom Victorian cottage with character, or for a larger cottage with land about £800,000.
• 17 Beaminster, Dorset
Why is it so great?
Prosperous little market town with over 200 listed buildings housing some great cafés and boutiques. Both Bridport and Dorchester are close at hand for even more shopping or restaurants, but here you won’t be bumping into your Fulham neighbours in the Co-op.
Who lives here?
Field sports fans and families with school connections.
House prices
A Victorian terraced cottage near the centre goes for about £350,000; a little outside, popular villages such as Powerstock offer four-bedroom family homes with land for £750,000.
• 18 Winchelsea, East Sussex
Why is it so great?
A mile from the sea, the Sussex village of Winchelsea is a very different proposition to its historic neighbour Rye, across the River Brede. Escape the tourists and get lost in this grid of medieval streets which hide an operatic society and a lively arts scene.
Who lives here?
Active retirees, downsizers and a hefty contingent of Londoners (Rye is 38 minutes from Ashford).
House prices
Choose between the beach, where a bungalow in need of a makeover will set you back £350,000; or pay a premium to be in town where a nicely renovated three-bedroom semi will be nearer £750,000, says local agency Phillips & Stubbs.
• 19 Battersea Power Station, London
Why is it so great?
Iconic new development right on a prime riverside site that will be linked into the new Northern Line extension by 2020. Although close to Sloane Square and the King’s Road, this new community will have its own waterside park, shopping centre, restaurants and theatre.
Who lives here?
Seventy-five per cent of buyers have been from the UK, especially Londoners, with a mix of investors, pied-à-terre and full-time residents.
House prices
One-bedrooms in the Foster and Gehry-designed Phase 3 start at £1.006 million, two-bedrooms from £1.38 million; two-bedroom apartments in the power station itself from £2.75 million, or four-bedroom penthouses from £7 million.
• 20 Honiton, East Devon
Why is it so great?
Famed for its Georgian architecture and lace, this unpretentious town is the gateway to Devon, and only nine miles from the World Heritage coastline. Its historic market has been running since 1257, and it has over thirty antiques shops plus the fantastic home-made clotted cream Honiton Dairy Ice Cream shop.
Who lives here?
Three quarters of buyers are from the southeast — either young families or retirement planners.
House prices
A detached bungalow will cost £250,000, but you can pay up to £500,000 for a three-bedroom terraced cottage in nearby Branscombe.
• 21 Lyndhurst, Hants
Why is it so great?
Known as “the capital of the New Forest” this historic and pretty town is bursting with independent shops, galleries and cafés. The arrival of Lime Wood (trendy sister hotel to The Pig), with chef Angela Hartnett, has put it firmly on the radar of trendy metropolitans.
Who lives here?
It sits astride the London and Canford Cliffs set, with a few foodies and yachties.
House prices
You’ll pay £700,000 for a pretty three-bedroom cottage in Bank; or a contemporary six-bedroom new home in Beaulieu can cost £1.9 million.
• 22 Exmoor, Somerset/ Devon
Why is it so great?
Offering a softer granite wilderness than the unforgiving crags of nearby Dartmoor, Exmoor is one of the few underpopulated areas in the south of the UK. For some this is bliss, and for homeowners who survive the real test — “the second winter” — it can offer a wonderful sense of community. Taunton or Croyde are not too far for a little more life.
Who lives here?
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, plus nature-loving loners and down-shifters from the southeast.
House prices
A small cottage costs up to £300,000, while a farmhouse with some land is £650,000.
• 23 Oakham, Rutland
Why is it so great?
It might be relatively unknown in the south, but this pretty, historic market town close to Rutland Water has been dubbed the “Cotswolds of the north”. Great for sailing, fishing, cycling and bird watching.
Who lives here?
Outdoorsy fiftysomethings who can’t afford Chipping Norton.
House prices
You can get a three-bedroom listed cottage for around £500,000, or a new-build on the outskirts for a similar sum.
• 24 Caldbeck, Cumbria
Why is it so great?
This traditional fell village sits on the River Cold Beck, and is a peaceful haven free from the tourist crowds yet close to all the popular Lakeland spots. It’s got a great pub in the Oddfellows Arms, which serves a famous Herdwick lamb cobbler, and is easily accessible from Carlisle.
Who lives here?
Fiftysomething semi-retirees from the south and Newcastle.
House prices
A renovated two-bedroom cottage will cost £200,000 to £300,000, or a Victorian three or four-bedroom will be in the mid £300,000s.
• 25 Aviemore, Cairngorms
Why is it so great?
In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this town sits amid gorgeous countryside and is a year-round destination for the adventurous. In the summer there is biking, climbing and walking, in winter it is the UK’s most visited skiing resort.
Who lives here?
Active and outdoorsy Scots, young families with a creative, hippy bent.
House prices
It’s an affordable area — for £450,000 choose a new high-spec four-bedroom detached home or a five-bedroom Edwardian villa; or for under £200,000 a three-bedroom cottage.
• 26 Stockbridge, Hants
Why is it so great?
This pretty market town sits astride the chalkstream River Test, which offers excellent fly fishing and the country’s oldest fishing club. The excellent pub The Greyhound, which serves local water buffalo, was recently named Michelin pub of the year.
Who lives here?
Young families with one eye on schools, weekenders and downsizers.
House prices
It costs £900,000 for a five-bedroom home with valley views, or £300,000 for a cottage renovation project.
• 27 Tisbury, Wilts
Why is it so great?
This large, pretty village in the Nadder Valley has become a hot spot with property hunters, who can get more for their money than in nearby Winchester. The result? A Mr and Mrs Smith pub with rooms and artisan delis on the high street.
Who lives here?
Babington House types from the capital.
House prices
A four-bedroom Georgian farmhouse will cost around £900,000 or, in nearby Chilmark, a three-bedroom thatched cottage £375,000.
• 28 Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Why is it so great?
More of a working town than many of the island’s holiday resorts, trendy Ventnor offers a lovely town beach as well as the charming little Steephill Cove. It has its own sunny microclimate that allows sub-tropical plants to grow in the Botanic Garden.
Who lives here?
Londoners escaping the mainland to change down a gear and work remotely.
House prices
On the best roads, Madeira and Zig Zag, a five-bed detached Victorian villa with uninterrupted sea views will cost £850,000.
• 29 St Andrews, Fife
Why is it so great?
This small historic Scottish town is renowned as the cauldron for Prince William and Kate’s university romance, and it’s wonderful sea views. International golfers flock to what is known worldwide as “the home of golf”, and tourists to enjoy the sandy, windswept beaches.
Who lives here?
Golfers, students, academics and owners of student investment properties.
House prices
You need the best part of £1 million to own a property on the golf course; and around £3.5 million for a detached house; alternatively a two-bedroom apartment costs from £350,000.
• 30 Plockton, Ross and Cromarty
Why is it so great?
Dubbed the “jewel of the Highlands” with good reason, this seaside village of fisherman’s cottages around a sheltered bay with palm trees is now almost exclusively second homes. Less than two hours from Inverness, it attracts yachties and artists drawn to the wonderful light.
Who lives here?
An amiable mix of English and Scottish holiday homeowners.
House prices
One of those lovely two to three-bedroom traditional cottages costs £400,000 to £500,000 — double the local average.
